It Should Fit on a T-Shirt

Keep your Mission Statement Concise and Inspiring.

I’m often asked this question. What’s the difference between a Mission Statement and a Vision Statement? James J. Mapes puts it succinctly and brilliantly.

In Quantum Leap Thinking, Mapes says: “It is a common misunderstanding to equate a mission statement with a vision.

“A mission statement comes from the head. A vision comes from the heart.

“Vision is creating an ideal future with a grand purpose. Vision is all about greatness.

You should review your Mission Statement on a regular basis to make certain it is current and relevant. Writing a Mission Statement is a valuable experience.

Revisiting your Mission Statement forces you to think and describe why you really exist. Take a good look at yours. Some statements are obtuse and confounding.

Peter Drucker wrote that a Mission Statement should fit on a t-shirt. The Mission Statement of the Humane Society is: “Celebrating Animals, Confronting Cruelty.”

TED: “Spreading Ideas.”

American Cancer Society: “Eradicating Cancer.”

The Smithsonian: “The Increase and Diffusion of Knowledge.”Keep your Mission Statement no more than 12 words. Fewer, if possible. The Statement should be concise, clear, and memorable. Inspiring, if possible.